by Vicki Ikeogu news@thenewsleaders.com Nearly 300 Sartell High School students were recognized for their academic achievements during the past year at the annual Academic Breakfast Nov. 22. Advance placement psychology and leadership class teacher Karrie Fredrickson said the recognition of students has been happening at the school since before she started teaching more than 20 years ago. “I think a
Ringstrom coordinates Toys for Tots
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com U.S. Marine veteran Bob Ringstrom, a St. Joseph resident, is the new coordinator for the St. Cloud Area Toys for Tots. Ringstrom, who was the Sartell police chief before retiring in 2004, has been working with Toys for Tots for almost 20 years. During those years, he was a Sartell route volunteer for Steve Titus of
Help needed for homes for sexploited women
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com Sex trafficking is one of those vile, disgusting crimes most people would prefer to think is not happening here – not in central Minnesota. But, in fact, central Minnesota is, after the Twin Cities, second in the state for the prevalence of sex trafficking, and it’s a virtual training ground for the vicious sexual exploitation of
St. Joseph business owners share importance of shopping locally
by Vicki Ikeogu news@thenewsleaders.com Seven years ago, credit-card company American Express started a movement to counteract the holiday push of big-box retailers on Black Friday. It was a movement that put more of an emphasis on the corner markets and local boutiques than the mega shopping malls and doorbuster deals. That movement has since sparked an increase of money being
Veteran Weis: Remembering is important
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com Even though he still has vivid memories of men – including four friends – being killed all around him, Rollie Weis of Sartell is very proud and happy to have served his country during World War II. Soon to be 93, on New Year’s Day, Weis is the oldest resident of Sartell and one of the
15 years later, still no trace of Guimond
by Dennis Dalman editorl@thenewsleaders.com At long last, Jacob Wetterling was found 27 years after he disappeared, but Joshua Guimond’s parents and loved ones are still waiting and wondering in daily anguish what happened to their son and friend who “disappeared” 15 years ago. The Wetterling case had a tragic outcome – the discovery of the 11-year-old’s body buried near Paynesville.
Sabre Dance Team to host annual shows
by Dennis Dalman editorl@thenewsleaders.com The Sartell Sabre Dance Team will host its annual dance showcase in two performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 in the Sartell High School gymnasium. The performances also serve as a fundraiser for the dance team. The shows will feature teams from more than 14 schools from throughout the state, as well
Christmas magic on display in St. Joseph home
by Vicki Ikeogu news@thenewsleaders.com As the classic carol exclaims “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” With a dusting of snow on the ground, the temperatures dipping and holiday music slowly making its long-awaited return to the radio airwaves, central Minnesotans are slowly embracing the fact the holiday season is just around the corner. And for members of the